Barrow has been flabbergasted in the myriad of criticism following his decision to nominate 68-year old Fatoumata Jallow Tambajang.

This is coming against the backdrop of a constitutional amendment that came into effect 1997, that anyone over 65 be barred from running for Gambia’s highest office.

The constitution further states that the vice-president must fulfill the qualifications required for a president which made Tambajang overage.

Tambajang was last week named women’s minister instead, with a mandate to oversee the vice-presidency.

The constitutional change adopted by parliament Tuesday will have to be approved by Barrow to enter into force — a move that would allow him to name Tambajang officially to the vice-presidency again, according to observers.

Lawmakers also voted to lift the retirement age of judges by five years to 75.

Interior Minister Mai Fatty defended the changes, saying: “It is envisaged that this will facilitate and encourage qualified, competent and experienced Gambians to be appointed as judges of the superior courts or be elected to political office.”